A Cambridge University student has apologised for making an "ill-judged" joke about having a representative for white students.

The ethnic minority student was blasted on social media after submitting proposals to have a "White Majority Ethnic Officer" to "take care of" race issues.

The unnamed student made the comments in a satirical letter to Pembroke College's postgraduate student body, the "Graduate Parlour".

The three-page footnoted dossier stated: "In light of the ongoing debate about the Black Minority Ethnic (BME) officer position on the GPC (Graduate Parlour Committee), this proposal puts forth an opinion by recommending an additional, parallel position: a White Majority Ethnic (WME) Officer."

The letter continued: "This proposal restates a commitment to principles of diversity and inclusion. Given the upcoming election for a BME officer, it is only logical that the majority be kept in mind along with the minority."

Read More

It suggested the proposal would get a "knee-jerk" reaction and carried on: "'Race' as a subject brings out visceral, emotional reactions... rather than having it all out in the open, in everyone's faces, it would be best to appoint one individual (the WME officer) who will take care of it."

A university spokesman said: "This proposal has been withdrawn and an apology issued for any offence caused.

"It was an ill-judged attempt by a BME student to highlight the disbenefits of having a BME officer in terms of highlighting differences rather than working towards integration."